Long Overdue Silica Dust Rule Issued, Final Action Must Be Swift, Says Trumka
Sixteen years ago, federal workplace safety officials began developing a rule to control and limit workers’ exposure to silica dust. Some 2 million workers are exposed to this deadly dust each year and, according to public health experts, more than 7,000 workers develop silicosis and 200 die each year as a result of this disabling lung disease.
Today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finally issued a proposed rule. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said the new rule was welcome but called the proposed standard “long overdue” and noted that the rule is still only a proposal.
